A Sweet Way to Help Animals
Robin sits down with NBC’s Jill Rappaport to discuss her unique 'Jill Rappaport’s Pies 4 Paws' campaign, which is a sweet way to raise money for some laudable organizations working to protect our animal friends. Then Robin’s joined by Donna Lawrence, the mom of the 2014 American Hero Dog, Susie! Donna discusses what this title means to her and what her plans are for the Hero Dog Awards TV broadcast on Hallmark Channel on Thursday October 30 at 8 ET/PT, 7 Central.
BIO:
Jill Rappaport
Jill Rappaport has been on TODAY for 20 years. She was the entertainment correspondent for the first 17 of those years, but when her beloved dog Jack got bone cancer, her life and career changed forever.
While chronicling Jack's illness on the show, she realized that animal welfare issues were her calling, and so her path changed. In her popular "Bow To Wow" series, shelter dogs get a makeover and a second chance at life, and through her work, she helped to save hundreds of horses that were severly abused. She also keeps TODAY viewers informed about the latest health trends for pets.
Rappaport is also the best selling author of "People We Know, Horses they Love," and has written three others books, including "Jack & Jill: The Miracle Dog with a Happy Tail To Tell," and "500 Cats."
She has just come out with a clothing line for Pendleton for women and pets, which will benefit the Jack and Jill Fund for animal cancer. Most recently Jill and TODAY received the coveted Genesis Award, which is the Oscars of the animal world, for her reporting on animal issues. Rappaport lives on a farm with her four dogs and nine horses, whom she refers to as her "fur angels."
Donna Lawrence and Susie
A puppy that was set on fire and a woman who suffered a brutal dog attack became a dedicated team that eventually changed North Carolina animal-cruelty laws. Susie the Pit Bull mix began life with terror and pain when she was beaten, burned, and abandoned. Susie and her owner both triumphed over pain and fear to become voices for abused animals that have no voice. They visit hospitals, schools, and nursing homes to inspire people never to give up